IMD Southwest Monsoon Withdrawal Updates: Is the Rainy Season Finally Ending?

Published on: 30th Sep 2026

As September comes to a close, India is witnessing a significant shift in its seasonal weather patterns. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has released its latest Southwest Monsoon withdrawal updates, signaling the gradual retreat of the four-month-long rainy season that sustains the nation's agriculture. For millions of citizens, business owners, and farmers, tracking this transition is crucial. Here is a comprehensive look at where the monsoon stands today, which regions are seeing a dry spell, and what the weather forecast holds for the coming weeks. Scroll down to read more

Current Status of the Monsoon Retreat Across India

According to the latest bulletin from the IMD, the line of withdrawal of the Southwest Monsoon continues to make steady progress. Typically starting from northwestern parts of Rajasthan, the retreat has now extended into several other regions.

• Northwest India: States like Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Jammu & Kashmir have experienced a complete cessation of monsoon activity, bringing much-needed dry weather for the harvesting of Kharif crops.
• Central India: The withdrawal line is currently slicing through parts of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, where dry westerly winds are replacing the moisture-laden easterlies.
• West India: Parts of Gujarat are also witnessing a clearing of skies as the monsoon dynamics shift southward.

Why Some Regions are Still Experiencing Late Rain

While the withdrawal is in full swing in the north and west, parts of Eastern, Central, and Southern India are still experiencing isolated to scattered rainfall. Meteorologists attribute this to localized low-pressure systems and convective activity.

• Eastern India: States like West Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha are seeing post-monsoon showers due to residual moisture and cyclonic circulations over the Bay of Bengal.
• Southern Peninsula: Karnataka, Kerala, and Maharashtra (particularly the Konkan region) continue to receive intermittent evening thundershowers, which is typical for this transitional phase.

The Transition to the Northeast Monsoon

The exit of the Southwest Monsoon paves the way for one of the most critical meteorological transitions in the subcontinent: the onset of the Northeast Monsoon (often referred to as the retreating monsoon). This transition usually occurs during October.

As the wind patterns reverse from southwesterly to northeasterly, dry and cool air will begin to sweep across Northern India, leading to a gradual drop in night temperatures. Conversely, this wind reversal will bring the primary rainy season to the southeastern coast of India, particularly Tamil Nadu, coastal Andhra Pradesh, and Puducherry, starting mid-October.

The IMD's Southwest Monsoon withdrawal updates indicate that India is successfully transitioning into the post-monsoon autumn season. While Northern and Northwestern India can look forward to clearer skies and cooler nights, Southern and Eastern regions should remain prepared for transitional showers. Stay tuned to local IMD alerts and weather updates to plan your travel and agricultural activities safely during this seasonal shift.